Motormouth From Ipoh – Malaysian Food & Travel

*Read the original article in its printed form published in the March edition of the lifestyle magazine; I.M. – Only RM3.50 at your favourite bookstore. Go grab a copy now, for punchy articles like no other. Seriously.

If you’re screaming and running away in agony from the sight of fresh, healthy greens, then SHAME on you!

The dust has settled, after some serious bouts of bingeing. First it was Christmas, then the New Year beckoned with more merry-making, then Chinese New Year came and left a trail of devastation …. piling on the unsightly pounds where the sun doesn’t shine. No thanks to the endless supplies of new year cookies, rounds of ‘Lou Sang’ and then there would be the senseless nights of mahjong + groundnuts + beer.

Intoxicating ensemble of sins and gluttony.

Spicy Salad – Look at the abundance of sunflower seeds!

But then again, salvation comes at the right moment. Salad Bar in Damansara Uptown has actually been around for one year; almost exactly. This charming, no-frills outlet prides on their creation of colourful and tasty salads without compromising on the flavours and of course, nutrition. So much so that we found our way back again and again after the initial visit …..

This, is THE Salad Bar.

Slightly late to be introduced this gem of an eatery surrounded by heavyweights in Uptown; namely a very famous nasi lemak outlet (voted the best in Klang Valley, what else do you expect?), various cafes and bistros, as well as hawker fares good enough to warrant repeated visits.

Salad Bar brought forward a really novel concept. In Malaysia at least, we are well known for our food (specifically hawker fares), but none that really excels in the nutritious and wholesome department. I mean, come on … Char Kuey Teow, Roti Canai and Nasi Lemak combined can probably destroy your diet regime instantly!

Of course, we were skeptics prior to the visit. A salad bar that serves nothing but salads, and a few pastas and sandwiches? Erm, a little too mundane and salads have always been relegated to sides anyway, like sidekicks to the superheroes in a comical nature; the heroes being your slabs of steaks, plentiful of rice and maybe even a pot of hearty stew or two.

Tropical Fruit Salad – Zesty, meat-less portion of salad to reduce the guilt with caloric-laden foods.

But of course, we relented since the time is nigh for even food bloggers to take heed and jump on the “eat right, eat healthy” bandwagon. And Salad Bar promises and delivers. They have various combination of salads; namely “Supersalads” where you get to choose from the fixed combination of greens, toppings and dressings. OR you can be picky and choose a DIY salad; where you choose your greens (four types available), toppings (countless, seriously…. Go up to the counter and get dizzy from the selection!), and dressing of your choice. By the way, no fanciful mayonnaise or thousand island. ONLY healthy homemade choices to go with the salads.

High Energy Superman – More proteins and carbs than the others; but all the good ones, no worries.

A brilliant introduction to their salads would be the Spicy Salad; incorporating spicy strips of chicken teriyaki and a piquant spicy vinegar dressing. There goes some meat to soften the transition from your usual carnivorous cravings to a more subtle fibre-rich repertoire. Another equally tasty selection was the High Energy Superman that comes with pumpkin, raisins, and chicken sausage. This would get the kids going ga-ga over salads, for a start. A slightly creamier dressing accompanied this combination, providing sufficient proteins and carbs for those on a body-building regime, perhaps?

If you’re converting from a meat-rich diet to a meat-free one, the Tropical Fruits Salad with plentiful of pomelo and mangoes would appeal to your tastebud. Tangy, refreshing with a touch of zest from the dressing, this salad alongside Fruits & Nuts (no meat) and B.L.O.G (go figure … no meat as well) can be consumed by vegetarians, and they also have an onion and garlic free option for strict vegans.

Spicy Chicken Pasta

Dory Carbonara Pasta

What if you’re not in the mood for salads? Say, the craving for carbs on days when you’re feeling really, really hungry? Then go for a serving of their pasta (about 5 or so choices) or the sandwiches would be just as satisfying. They do a fantastic sandwich with grilled pumpkin and capsicum, and they only use good wheat pasta to reduce the sinful calories.

Food aside, Salad Bar does a commendable effort in serving only fresh juices; with some startling combination like celery + cucumber + carrot (detox alert?!), and the safer choices like orange and apple. Rest assured that they do not use sugar in their juices, thus you get pure, concentrated refreshing liquid to replenish your body’s hydration status.

100% Fresh Fruit Juices. No holding back on the wholesome image.

Dried Cranberries on the Homemade Yoghurt with Honey

For dessert, of course we don’t see cakes, pastries or pies in their menu. Duh. Those will defeat the purpose, no? Instead, they only have one type of dessert; and it’s a darn good one. Homemade yoghurt with honey, and a topping of your choice. You can also opt for extra toppings for minimal charge, if you’re feeling peckish and browsing the vast range of toppings (fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, etc) got you indecisive. Go for the walnut, or sunflower seeds if you’re looking for some bites, or the dried cranberries for a tarty, sweeter finish.

If you’re crazy enough like this gal, then go for additional toppings in a separate bowl to load your yoghurt with colours and flavours.

If you’re serious about changing your lifestyle to a healthier one, yet would not compromise in paying an arm and a leg for health food, or can’t be bothered to buy every single ingredient and cook in the kitchen, hop over to Salad Bar for an eye-opening experience. They offer individual sets from RM9.50 onwards, and be warned that a half portion salad can easily satiate your hunger. Full portion is meant to be shared, but at only RM11.90 each (for the Supersalad range), you’d be tempted to indulge.

The Salad Bar (Pork-Free)
No.41G, Jalan SS 21/60,
Damansara Utama,
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 47400
Mon – Sat: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Telephone : +60122011883,+60377312228
Fax:+60377221742